The Color of the Sun

Photo: John Dyer & Co.

Citrine is one of two birthstones for the month of November, and one of my favorite birthstones! How can you not love citrine? It reminds me of warm sunny days, and it can even compare to the color of autumn leaves. With its gorgeous golden hues, it is sure to brighten your day!

These gems, ranging from orangy yellow to reddish orange, are examples of fine citrine color. - C. Y. Sheng Photo: GIA

It is a transparent yellow to brownish orange variety of quartz. Natural citrine is relatively rare. Today, most citrine on the market is actually heat-treated amethyst, in turn, the amethyst’s original hue can determine the richness of the resulting citrine’s yellow color. This treatment is completely stable, and there is no negative influence on the gem. 

Where can citrine be found?

The main sources for citrine are Bolivia, Spain, Madagascar, Mexico and Uruguay. Amethyst that’s typically heat treated to a citrine color is mined mostly in Brazil. 

Bolivia’s Anahí mine is an important source for natural, unheated citrine. This mine also produces a unique blend of amethyst and citrine in the same crystal.  When the two colors appear together in a fashioned gem, it is known as ametrine. Look how gorgeous! 

Myths and Lore: The Merchant's Stone

Citrine is a stone of abundance and manifestation! Its associated with wealth and prosperity, success and all things good. Can you feel that energy?! It is believed to bring success in business and business transactions. Some say to keep a piece of citrine in the cash register, and it will attract new transactions to your business! 

Famous Citrines

 

Antique citrine and vari-colored gold suite including: a diadem, necklace, detachable brooch pendant with three detachable drops, pair of bracelets with a detachable central section to form a choker, and a pair of pendant ear clips, the three-colored gold openwork chased and engraved floral and foliate settings containing oval and pear-shaped citrines. Circa 1830. - Christie's

 

The Dutch Citrine Brooch features a diamond bow brooch with citrine as its central stone, worn by Queen Máxima of the Netherlands. - The Court Jeweller

 

The “Jolie Citrine Necklace” that Angelina Jolie donated to the Smithsonian. 18k yellow gold necklace consisting of 64 graduated bezel-set cushion-shaped citrine gems featuring 177.11-carat pear-shaped citrine drop. Photos: RP Studio

 

This citrine suite features a citrine necklace, bracelet, and earrings formally from the collection of Joan Crawford. Crafted by renowned American jeweler Raymond Yard in 1940, the necklace features a 350 carat citrine and the matching bracelet flaunts a pair of citrines whose combined carat weight totals 130 carats." Photo: joancrawfordbest.com 

Taking Care of Citrine 

Citrine is usually quite durable for your daily wear! A 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness with good toughness. You can clean the gemstone with lukewarm water and some liquid soap. It can also be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner, but I would avoid a steamer since high heat can cause it to crack.

Whether you are in the market for a citrine for yourself, or a loved one, this birthstone is sure to bring the positive energy and brighten your day!

 

Sources: GIA, Jewelry Notes, Crystal Vaults